The Phuc Giang School Wooden Blocks are a rare and valuable collection reflecting the history and culture of Vietnamese education during the feudal period. Phuc Giang School, located in Phuc Giang commune, Vo Nhai district, Thai Nguyen province, was one of the largest and most influential educational institutions in the feudal era. This collection of wooden blocks, created from the 18th century to the early 20th century, records the content of lectures, textbooks, and learning materials used for teaching Confucianism at the school.
1.Origin and History:
Phuc Giang School was established during the reign of King Gia Long, under the development of the Confucian education system during the feudal dynasties, especially under the Nguyen dynasty.
This wooden block collection is an important resource for teaching Confucian subjects, history, literature, ethics, and the philosophy of life of the Vietnamese people. The lectures and textbooks were carved on wood to preserve and pass down knowledge through generations.
2.Content and Themes:
The wooden blocks mainly contain textbooks and Confucian teaching materials, including works by Confucian scholars, lessons on ethics, conduct, and the doctrines of the feudal dynasty.
Some notable works include classical literary works such as the “Great Learning” (Đại học), “Doctrine of the Mean” (Trung dung), and books on Confucian philosophy and family ethics, as well as social relations.
3.Crafting Techniques and Materials:
The Phuc Giang School wooden blocks were crafted using traditional hand-carving techniques. The wood was carefully selected for its durability to preserve the texts over time.
The texts were engraved in Chinese characters, sometimes in Nôm script, and were intricately carved with detailed decorative motifs, reflecting the seriousness and meticulousness of preserving knowledge.
4.Cultural and Historical Value:
The Phuc Giang School wooden blocks are of great cultural and historical value in preserving the cultural heritage and educational history of Vietnam. They are not only valuable documents on Confucianism but also record traditional knowledge about cultural values, ethics, and ideologies in feudal society.
The collection is also a testament to the development of Confucian education during the feudal period, reflecting an important part of the educational system of past dynasties.
5.Current Conservation Status:
The wooden blocks are currently preserved at several archival and museum institutions, including the National Archives Center I and other historical and cultural research centers.
Efforts to preserve and restore the collection are ongoing to ensure that these wooden blocks will remain a valuable cultural heritage for future generations.
